Calls poured into UND wide receiver Brady Trenbeath's phone Thursday evening from teammates sharing a similar reaction to Dale Lennon's departure from UND to become head football coach at Southern Illinois.
"Everyone's shocked," Trenbeath said. "We were all blown away."
Many Sioux players were surprised as they got the news that Lennon is expected to be named as the Salukis coach at a press conference this afternoon in Carbondale, Ill.
The news stunned UND quarterback Danny Freund, who said he could understand Lennon's career move.
"I knew it would take a great opportunity for him to leave UND," Freund said. "Southern Illinois is that type of program."
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UND offensive lineman Brian Troen had a similar take on the move.
"I think there are mixed emotions," Troen said. "I think players are happy for him. We trust that the university will bring someone in. With the coaches we have there, we feel good about it."
Sioux players figured colleges would be taking a hard look at Lennon.
"He's such a great coach," UND quarterback Jake Landry said. "That made us realize that he's had opportunities in the past."
Troen said: "With the career he's had, it was expected at some point that something was going to happen with a new job."
Prior to the start of the 2007 season, Lennon was a finalist for the head coaching position at Montana State.
"We knew it was definitely a possibility (of Lennon leaving) when he actually took a look at the school and flew there," Freund said.
One of Lennon's biggest assets is his recruiting ability. American Football Monthly named him Division II football's best recruiter in 2006, an area that might hurt the Sioux as they near the February signing period.
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"He earns the players' respect quickly," said Landry, who attended Grand Forks Central. "I'm sure kids come here because of him. I know I did."
Freund said Lennon was a big reason he came to UND from Kenosha, Wis.
"He's a great recruiter and down-to-earth guy," Freund said. "He shoots you straight and cares for players on and off the field. He's a real good coach and great motivator."
Even without Lennon, players say they're confident UND is headed in the right direction. The Sioux will become a Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly 1-AA) program beginning next season, but they won't be eligible for the playoffs until 2012.
"We have a lot of great assistant coaches that could step in," Freund said. "We have a number of great candidates within the program. They have a great situation to step into. It's an exciting time moving into Division I."
Reach Miller at 780-1121, (800) 477-6572 ext. 121 or tmiller@gfherald.com .
